I was an anthropology major at Cal,
graduating in 1979. I studied with Dr. Clark for three years, and
enjoyed every moment of it. One of my favorite memories is of a
graduate seminar he held in his living room, which he invited a
few undergraduates to take part. It was the first chance I really
had to work with a professor on an intimate, casual basis, and it
is here, and in a few other small sections that Dr. Clark showed
his true gift, his true passion for teaching. (I was struck by the
difference between Dr Clark in a small, intimate setting, versus
in a lecture to a large audience, like in the Louis Leaky Lectures
in 1979.)

About six or seven years after graduating,
I wrote to Dr. Clark. I didn't follow up on my anthro studies, but
went into the investment/trading business. I'd just read about some
discovery he'd made, and wrote a short note to congratulate him,
not thinking he'd remember me. He sent back a fairly long, type
written (remember his handwriting?) note thanking me and mentioning
how much he enjoyed hearing from his former students.

Here's the funny coincidence: This
morning, on the site www. cyberbears.org, there was a thread asking
posters for their favorite professor. I put in a quick note about
Dr. Clark. This afternoon, my California Monthly arrived, and lo
and behold, I find the beautiful obituary written by Dr. Tim White.
Well, I guess I'm getting up there, but it's sad to realize that
four of my favorite professors, Drs. Glynn Isaac, Sherwood Washburn,
Jim Deetz, and now Dr. Clark, have all left us. Well, I guess in
some ways, they'll never actually leave us.